Your New Favorite Italian Spot? The Tavern Trattoria Is Chef-Driven & Sensational!

The restauranteurs who brought The Tavern At Trail's End into quick culinary fame at Lake of the Ozarks have added another outstanding eatery to the menu: The Tavern Trattoria.

This culinary destination, opened in 2024, features handcrafted, unique Italian dishes with an intimate and inviting space for guests.

Tavern Trattoria-interior seating-09.jpg — Michelle Kitchen

Owners John and Sherri Buchanan say the menu is driven by the chef's creative vision (John's!) It's authentic Italian cuisine with a creative flair, and it has people coming back for more.

Unsurprisingly for those who know the excellence of The Tavern at Trail's End, the pastas, sauces, and sides at The Tavern Trattoria are crafted in-house.

Make a reservation today! The Tavern Trattoria is open Thursday-Saturday from 4-9 p.m. Call (573) 207-2043.

Online: TavernTrattoria.com

On Facebook: @TavernTrattoria

"I'm the only restaurant at the Lake that makes all the pastas from scratch," John added, emphasizing his dedication to high-quality ingredients.

Tavern Trattoria-handmade pasta-02.jpg — Michelle Kitchen

Buchanan acknowledges the restaurant had a rocky opening last year. But he says his team has worked through those challenges: perfecting the pasta recipe and building a solid staff.

"Come try us!" Buchanan urged. "It's a culinary experience."

He spends a significant amount of his time at The Tavern Trattoria now, mingling with guests, making recommendations, and answering questions: because this menu is bound to bring out a few questions!

Tavern Trattoria-food and wine-01.jpg — THOMAS A KITCHEN

It's got some straightforward, familiar items like steak and chicken parmesan (though John — who had to be convinced to add "normal" items to the menu — insists neither the steak nor chicken parm are like what you'll find anywhere else). But it's also got pastas many folks have never tried, and dishes with unique flavor combinations that bring a culinary "wow factor" to Italian.

Not too far from their flagship Trails End restaurant, The Tavern Trattoria is located at 630 N Main St in Laurie.

Tavern Trattoria-building-08.jpg — Michelle Kitchen

Lake longtimers may remember that as the site of the long-loved JJ's At The Copper Pot.

The Tavern Trattoria brings something truly unique to the Lake's culinary scene... not to mention the largest Italian wine portfolio (Barolo, Amarone, Brunello...) at the Lake!

Tavern Trattoria-wine-10.jpg — Michelle Kitchen

Every bite is a standout, but here are some menu items to consider when you head to The Tavern Trattoria:

To Eat

Stuzzichini: Flash Fried Zucchini Blossoms

Tavern Trattoria-fried blossoms-06.jpg — Michelle Kitchen

Filleted and fried in a light tempura batter, these crisp, delicate blossoms sit atop an arrabbiata sauce. The sweet-savory sauce is reminiscent of old-school Italian comfort.

L'insalate: Burrata

Tavern Trattoria-burrata-07.jpg — Michelle Kitchen

This salad features baby arugula, heirloom tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, balsamic onion jam, and a fresh basil pesto. The gooey cheese is balanced with the sweet-acidic balsamic and bursting with herbal notes.

Pasta:

1. Butternut Squash Ravioli

Tavern Trattoria-butternut ravioli-03.jpg — Michelle Kitchen

This rich dish is the "chef's kiss." Made with browned sage butter, blue cheese creme, and candied walnuts, it's nutty with a touch of sweetness. The sage doesn't overpower anything; instead, all the flavors blend together beautifully.

2. Roasted Forest Mushroom Tagliatelle

Tavern Trattoria-mushroom tagliatelle-04.jpg — Michelle Kitchen

Here's an option perfect for vegetarians! Earthy and decadent, this fettuccine-like pasta incorporates a truffle-cream sauce, roasted garlic confit, and caramelized mushrooms

Dolci: House-Made Tiramisu

Tavern Trattoria-tiramisu-05.jpg — Michelle Kitchen

End the evening with this scrumptious Italian dessert. Espresso-soaked ladyfingers are light and fluffy with Frangelico and topped with cocoa powder. It's sweet with a nutty coffee twist.

Whether you’re indulging in a delightfully delicious entrée or wrapping up your meal with one of the house-made desserts, The Tavern Trattoria promises a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Book an event at The Tavern Trattoria's cozy back room!